11 foods that aid weight loss

For all of us foodies who want a great figure and a great plate of tasty food, the word ‘diet’ can be a dreaded word. But chill and don’t take the pill…lets’ look around in our kitchens and see what we have tucked aside.

As long as we are not talking about fries, samosa and wada, we are safe. This complex carbohydrate is filling and provides the required energy to go on for a long time. And what’s more, it tops the list of foods that gives you that satiated feeling and a smile on your lips. A top secret, potatoes are rich in ‘resistant starch’ which means that they help you burn fat. What a ‘yay’ this is…we know, we are also happy…

You probably knew that coffee could help you curb your appetite, but let us tell you, it can boost your metabolism, aiding your body to use fat for vigour and energy. The antioxidant chlorogenic acid (CGA) can help lower the release of glucose after every meal to prevent weight gain. So now you know why people take coffee after meals.

A favourite of the Indian kitchen, moong dal is full of vitamins and minerals. This dal is great for weight loss as it is a super source of proteins and fibre, gives you a fuller feeling and decreases those hunger cravings for a long time. Apart from weight loss, it benefits the immune system, keeps our bones healthy, prevents Indian women from getting anaemic and generally protects from illness. Enjoy your moong dal with rice or roti today and go yummm!

Another kya baat hai wonder legume is a favourite of all kitchens (especially North Indian) – rajma. These red beans give you your required dose of protein and fibre. Kidney beans are also rich in ‘resistant starch’ which means it slims you down and fills you up. What a heavenly delight this is!

This great veggie or fruit (which it actually is) is yet another ingredient we cannot do without. Eat it raw or cooked. It is nutritious for you because while having it, your body releases a hormone called cholecystokinin, which boosts feelings of fullness and curbs your chances of overeating.

It also increases your energy, steadies your blood sugar levels, cleanses your body and reduces cholesterol. Not to mention that tomatoes are low in calories, a thumbs-up for any dieter.

Note: In case you have kidney stones or severe acidity, speak to your doctor if you before you add tomatoes to your diet.

Did you know that nuts are rich in healthy fats that keep you slim and trim? Racing ahead of peanuts, almonds, and other nuts, is a fistful of walnuts. They are super healthy as they contain twice as much antioxidants and are lower in cholesterol as compared to other nuts.

Rich with important nutrients like monosaturated fats, vitamin E, and protein, etc., almonds, like your walnuts, are best for a quick and healthy snack when that 4 pm hunger pang strikes. An almond also keeps your blood sugar even. Nuts are rich in healthy fats, so moderation is the operative word here guys.

Yet another healthy-wealthy green veggie which is rich in fibre, water, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and iron (which helps anaemic women). An amazing weight loss food, just a bowl can make you feel full. It is also a good source of fiber, helps cure constipation and cleanse the digestive tract. If you do not like spinach, take with along with methi, like methi-palak, maybe add a little paneer, sprinkle in some aamchur to make that tangy dish.

White and pristine, this vegetable is fit to fight the body’s toxic compounds as it is packed with indoles, glucosinolates and thiocyanates that remove all the toxic waste from your body. Cauliflower is low in calories and high in satiating fibre. This versatile veggie can be had in soups, or as sabji, etc.

Found everywhere, cabbage is the perfect vegetable for constipation, skin, stomach ulcers, etc. As the vegetable is low in calories and high in fibre, you can indulge in it to curb your hunger. It is supposed to be a good blood purifier and an excellent source of Vitamin C too.

Did you know? Drinking beetroot juice gives your body an energy boost and thus enables you the stamina to exercise longer and burn more calories. It also detoxifies and eliminates toxins from your body. And wait don’t throw the beetroot leaves. They are full of calcium, beta carotene, protein, rich in Vitamins A, B, and C!

So here are the foods you can use to lose weight, gain good health and have a long life.